A HAMPSHIRE lifeboat crew went to the aid of two people stranded aboard a dinghy that had lost its mast.

The Lymington-based David Bradley arrived at the scene within two minutes of being launched and checked the casualties to ensure they were not suffering from the cold.

The dinghy and a safety boat, which had suffered engine failure, were towed to Lymington.

It was one of two calls-out the crew answered on Sunday.

Coastguards received multiple reports of flares being seen near Berthon Marina. The crew carried out a thorough search but nothing was found.

Police and coastguards discovered spent flares near a monument at Walhampton.